"In an effort to reduce the Nation's mounting natural disaster losses, the United States Congress passed the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000). The Act requires that state and local governments develop and adopt a Hazard Mitigation Plan in order to be eligible for federal mitigation grant funding. These funds include the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), the Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program, the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program, the Repetitive Flood Claims (RFC) Program, and the Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL) Program. These are all administered by FEMA under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It is important to note that this Plan will identify a broad array of funding sources beyond those listed above. In fact, this Plan will draw on dozens of available federal, state and non-profit funding sources. Potentially eligible funding sources will be linked to each action, thereby facilitating its implementation." (excerpt from the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan).

The Department of Homeland Security defines Hazard Mitigation as "Any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from hazards."

For further information, please contact W. W. Bartlett at 434-392-8837 or wbartlett@co.prince-edward.va.us